Community

Park plans for starry, starry nights

Published

10 years ago

May 21, 2015

IN 2012 starysky /13, the Brecon Beacons achieved International Dark Sky Reserve status for the whole National Park. On a clear night in the Brecon Beacons, you can see the Milky Way, major constellations, bright nebulas and even meteor showers. It’s enough to make anyone starry eyed.

Now Pembrokeshire’s own National Park Authority has decided to try to create a number of Dark Sky Discovery Sites across the county.

The UK has some of the largest areas of dark sky in Europe. You can find dark skies near where you live, if you can get away from bright lights such as street lighting. That could be in your back garden, a local park, or getting out of town altogether. From a city centre location we might see about 100 stars with our naked eyes, and the further away from the streetlights you go, the better the view becomes. Under a really dark sky we can see over 1,000 stars. We can even see our own galaxy, The Milky Way, stretching across the sky.

Pembrokeshire Cost National Park does not particularly lend itself to being a Dark Sky Reserve or Dark Sky Park because it is relatively small, ribbon-like, and is affected by significant light sources on the Milford Haven. These factors would make Dark Sky Reserve and Dark Sky Park requirements very difficult to meet, and the associated improvement commitments onerous to maintain.

Instead, officers have sought to identify a series of potential Dark Sky Discovery Sites across the National Park. Dark Sky Discovery Sites are small, accessible observation sites with good night sky quality. Proposals for Dark Sky Discovery sites are submitted to and decided by the UK Dark Sky Discovery partnership, which is made up of national and local astronomy and environmental organisations.

There is currently only one Dark Sky Discovery site in the National Park: the National Trust’s car park at Broad Haven South. A spread of Dark Sky Discovery Sites across the National Park could help raise the profile of the Park, not only for stargazers and photographers but as part of more general “Park-at-night” type experiences (wildlife observation, John Muir/Duke of Edinburgh tasks, navigation, bushcraft and so on), potentially out of the main visit or season.

In order to qualify for Dark Sky Discovery (DSD) Site status, the proposed locations need to meet a number of criteria that make them safe and accessible as well as having suitably dark skies, in order to fully suppor t the above aims.

Dark Sky Discovery Sites are places that:

are away from the worst of any local light pollution

provide good sightlines of the sky

have good public access, including firm ground for wheelchairs.

The sites are generally freely accessible at all times The website sets out two clear categories of Dark Sky Discovery sites. The two darkness ratings are:

‘Orion’ sites. At these sites, the seven main stars in the winter constellation Orion are visible to the naked eye. Typically, this means away from, or shielded from, bright lights such as street lights, security lights or approaching car lights.

“Milky Way” sites. At these sites the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. They are much darker sites found only in more rural areas.

The ten selected sites are: Poppit Sands Beach; Bedd Morris National Park car park; Bwlch Gwynt; Garn Fawr National Trust car park; Rhosfach Common; Abereiddi Bay car park; Martin’s Haven National Trust car park; Kete National Trust car park; Stack Rocks National Park car park; and Skrinkle Haven National Park car park.

Community

Pembrokeshire town 4G phone mast plans withdrawn

Published

1 hour ago

December 20, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a replacement 20-metre-high 4G phone mast tower in north Pembrokeshire, which the local town council says would have “an unacceptable adverse impact” on the national park’s beauty have been withdrawn.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cellnex, through agent Telent, sought permission to replace an existing 10m high mast with a new 20m 4G tower with three Vodafone antennae and nine mast head amplifiers, and associated works, on land at Dwr-y-Felin Farm, Fford Bedd Morris, Newport.

The application for a 4G mobile base station for the mobile network operator(s) (MNOs) Vodafone Ltd in conjunction with Cornerstone. The application site is owned / operated by Cellnex UK, a radio site infrastructure provider.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The proposed antenna height of 20m is essential to provide new 4G coverage and replacement 2G and 3G service provision to the surrounding area. 4G radio signals are more sensitive to physical obstructions than older technologies.

“This is because the higher the frequency band the greater the reduction in signal strength, increasing the likelihood of dropped calls and reduced data rates for internet browsing,” adding: “Generally, the higher the signal frequency the more it will be impacted by clutter. It is for this reason that there is the height of 20m is required.”

It went on to say it “should be noted that a radio base station within this location has already been considered acceptable and has become an established feature within the area and the proposed upgrade albeit different in design to support the latest equipment will not be of substantial or detrimental harm to the national park, conservation area or heritage assets”.

Newport Town Council had objected to the application, saying: “The proposed development (if approved in its current form) will have an unacceptable adverse impact on the qualities and special landscape and seascape character of the National Park and also on the special qualities of natural beauty and tranquillity.”

The application has now been withdrawn.

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.

Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:

“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”

Tips from Mind Cymru

Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling.
Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering environments if possible.
Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.